Kenneth Lee Greiner

Kenneth (Ken) Lee Greiner died on November 30th, 2024 at the CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud, MN with his family at his bedside. Ken was born on August 9, 1941 in Morris, MN to William and Rose Greiner. Raised on the family farm with two sisters and three brothers, Ken developed a strong work ethic and an optimistic, “can-do” attitude. He graduated from Morris high school in 1959, attended NDSU for his undergraduate work, and graduated from the University of MN with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1967. 

On August 8, 1964 Ken married his love, Pamla (Pam) Erickson. The couple moved to Elbow Lake, MN in 1967 and purchased a veterinary practice with a tiny office in downtown Elbow Lake. In 1974 they broke ground on a modern haul-in veterinary center on the outskirts of town. During this time they also welcomed their two children, Carter and Kendra, and spent the next fifty years building their lives within the community. Ken dedicated his career to the health and well-being of animals, both livestock and companion animals. He began as a general practitioner with small dairy farms, eventually transitioning to a specialty in horses. He established a reputation as the “horse vet” of the region and his gentle manner soothed many frantic animals, as well as their humans. Ken was always available for emergencies, and often lost sleep to help an animal.

Ken was passionate about veterinary medicine; he thought it was the best career in the world. He felt privileged to help people when they had a problem and cared deeply about his clients and their animals. Ken also relished mentoring the next generation of animal care givers. He took many students under his wing and brought them along on country calls to farms and stables, inspiring several young people to pursue careers in veterinary medicine. He modeled compassion, patience and resilience, and was always eager to share his knowledge so that others could learn and grow. 

A valued member of the community, Ken had a servant’s heart, and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness and generosity. He served on church, bank and school boards. Always active in his church, he enjoyed men’s groups and studies, and volunteered for any job that needed doing. Ken served on several veterinary boards at the state and national level, and was president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association from 1987-1988. He received the Minnesota Veterinarian of the Year award in 1989. Ken and Pam gave their children the opportunity to raise and show cattle, horses and sheep in 4H, and Ken dutifully supported their extracurricular activities by chaperoning marching band trips, coaching 4H softball teams and judging horse shows. 

Some of Ken’s favorite memories were the summers spent with his extended family at the cabin on Pelican Lake where he fished, water skied and drank Big Mouth beer. He particularly loved “debating” with his sisters on the highly charged topics of education, politics and religion. Ken greatly cherished time with his grandson, Blake. He was very proud of him and was Blake’s biggest fan. Ken was also a die-hard Gopher football enthusiast, and had season football tickets to his beloved Gophers since 1967. Traveling with Pam and their good friends to various places around the world was a highlight of his life, and he enjoyed every minute of the bantering and laughter on those trips. 

Ken never forgot his humble beginnings, and people from all walks of life called him friend. His generosity of spirit and his good will toward people and all of God’s creatures brought joy to all who knew him. Ken’s faith was strong, and he believed in heaven and in a good and righteous God. We believe these things, too, and look forward to the day when we will see him again. 

We as a family wish to thank everyone who loved him; we have been extremely comforted by the prayers and support poured out to us, and we are overwhelmed by your kindness.

Ken is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pamla of Alexandria, MN; his children Carter Greiner of Willmar, MN and Kendra (Wade) Greiner of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren Blake (Sandra) Greiner of Grand Forks, ND, and great grandchildren Carter, Grayson, Paxton and Stella; sister Delores (Ron) Wiese, sister Joanne (Knute) Wevley, sister-in-law Jan Greiner, brothers Lloyd (Joy) Greiner, and Richard (Sandy) Greiner, brother-in-law Eric (Lora) Erickson, brother-in-law Dennis (Jamie) Erickson; many special nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant siblings William and Mary Lou, sister-in law Bonnie Hooten, brother Roland Greiner and nephew Joel Erickson. 

Visitation: 12:30-2 pm Friday, December 20 at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, MN 

Celebration of Life Service: 2 pm Friday, December 20 at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, MN 

Pastor Jean Ohman will officiate 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a local animal shelter, or to the Past President’s Scholarship fund for annual scholarships for veterinary students: mvmfcares.org/you-can-help/

Arrangements are provided by the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN.